In addition, Ken is a broadcaster and regular contributor to Fox Sports' MLB telecasts. He spent all season with the Braves Triple-A Gwinnett affiliate, waiting for a callup that never came. Editor's note: The video above is from Jason . I saw him tip his cap to an empty Cleveland stadium in his return there. [73] Kipnis batted .419 in June, with an OPS of 1.216, in addition to stealing 9 bases in 10 attempts. [ Answer ] [23] Kipnis primarily played center field, but played all outfield positions and second base; he batted leadoff part of the time. I think I squeezed just about as much as I could out of myself in my career. [67] On August 10, Kipnis had a five-hit, four-run game, the first time a rookie had done so since Jim Fridley in 1952. I think when enough time passes Ill be very proud. Gwinnett Stripers activated 2B Jason Kipnis from the 7-day injured list. Like Kipnis, the Braves would have needed to add him to their 40-man roster. [61] At the time, he was leading the International league in triples (9), was second in runs scored (64), seventh in total bases (164), tied for tenth in walks (44), twelfth in RBIs (55), and seventeenth in stolen bases (12 in 13 attempts). Two-time All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis, who played nine of his 10 seasons in Cleveland, officially announced his retirement Monday. Cleveland Indians placed 2B Jason Kipnis on the 10-day disabled list. But he admits to being conflicted during the teams march to the Series title. [4][40] His big game was voted second in the 2010 Fans Choice "Best Game" Minor League Baseball Yearly Awards. "I was lucky to be drafted by you. On July 17, 2020, Kipnis was selected to the 40-man roster. [4], For 2010, Kipnis led the Indians minor league system in hits (159) and runs (96). The Road Ahead for Jason Kipnis. But the regular hitting group at Bradley included Kipnis, the Padres Jake Cronenworth, White Soxs Yasmani Grandal, Angels Max Stassi, and Cubs Nico Hoerner and Jason Heyward. In 2008, Kipnis batted .371 with 14 home runs and 73 runs batted in. He was only behind Ty Cobb and Al Simmons. Jason Michael Kipnis was a Major League Baseball player with the Cleveland Indians ( 2011 - 2019) and Chicago Cubs ( 2020 ). [84] Kipnis played in 59 games for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, hitting .290/.390/.518 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI's. Kipnis finally made his season debut on May 25, and his .828 OPS on July 18 might have warranted him consideration for a callup if he had not suffered another injury, an injured calf that sidelined him until Aug. 11. @ 2B)Had a 52-game errorless streak dating back to 2014 snapped on April 27Also made 14 starts at DHWas on the 15-day Disabled List (right shoulder inflammation) for the third time in his career from August 2-17, which contributed to his overall final second half split totals, batting .271 (59-218) with 16 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 15 RBI and 27 runs scored in 54 games (.322/.394/.717)Upon activation from the D.L. The following year, long story short, I needed a place to play," said Kipnis, was transferred to Arizona State from Kentucky after the 2008 season. Orlando Arcia, acquired from the Brewers in April, had a .932 OPS when he was promoted on July 4. [Hector Gmez] "David Ortz: The Latino country (Dominican Republic) that produces the most baseball players doesn't have a stadium that can be approved by MLB so they can play games in the Dominican Republic during the regular season, we are embarrassing." "[48] Writer John Sickels said Kipnis is "quite strong and has plenty of bat speed. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: mlb | pageType: profiles | First, I asked Kipnis what it meant as a hometown kid to be linked like that with Ruth, and he laughed, saying, Everything. Then, after he talked about the homer, I popped the bigger question: You grew up coming to games here. Orlando Arcia of the Milwaukee Brewers attempts to turn a double play over Jason Kipnis of the Cleveland Indians in the first inning at Miller Park. Milwaukee Brewers Shortstop Orlando Arcia tracks a fly ball during a MLB game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians on May 8, 2018 at. [1][2] He was called up from the minor leagues on July 22, 2011. The injury explains why Kipnis finds himself on the bench for the third straight game Friday in Milwaukee. [27], Jason Kipnis got the Opening Day starting job at second base for 2012. stint he recorded 4 doubles, 4 runs and 3 BB. Jalen Carter Facing Charges in Connection With Racing . He finished tied for third in triples (8), fourth in doubles (32), and tied for fifth in both home runs (16) and RBIs (74). [23], Over two seasons, Kipnis batted .378 with 30 home runs, 144 RBIs, 142 runs, 37 doubles, 10 triples, and 51 stolen bases in 474 at bats for the Sun Devils. The Cubs reeled off three straight victories to win their first title since 1908, and Kipnis, his teammates and an entire city were left with a what-might-have-been emptiness that has yet to go away. [62][63], Kipnis made his major league debut on July 22, 2011, starting at second base against the Chicago White Sox. [1][5] He was named all-conference in both his junior and senior seasons. The 35-year-old Kipnis last played in 2021, when he was a member of the Atlanta. Next up is second baseman Jason Kipnis. Jason Kipnis' girlfriend Samantha Korb is a fitness expert. But Kipnis sounds as if he will be content if no team asks him to play again. Jason Kipnis grew up in Northbrook, IL and played one season for the Cubs. All 57 players who were on the Braves active roster for at least one day received a World Series ring. Jason Kipnis assigned to Columbus Clippers from Akron Aeros. [28] He decided not to sign with the Padres because he felt he hadn't fully matured and accomplished everything in college. [1][9][17] In February of that year, Kipnis was awarded Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors. [44][60], On July 22, 2011, Kipnis was called up from the Clippers to the Cleveland Indians. Follow Ken on Twitter @Ken_Rosenthal, Kipnis in Game 6 of the 2016 World Series. He'll likely have to settle for a depth role if he's able to secure a spot on another roster in 2021. Atlanta decided to keep guys who werent producing. Kipnis served as the designated hitter Friday and went 0-for-3, and he'll head to the bench for the second game of the series against Minnesota with David Bote in at DH and Nico Hoerner starting at second base. He was drafted by the Indians in 2009, and made a complete mockery of the minor league system, that really . They won all three, by scores of 3-2, 9-3 and, following a momentum-shifting, 17-minute rain delay in Game 7, 8-7 in 10 innings. of 1998 (50H/30R)His 19 hits over a 7-game span, May 9-16, equaled a club recordHad 8 games of at least 3 hits for the month and on the year had 18 such games, tied for 2nd in the league (had 16 mutli-hit games in May)Jason did not let up in June, hitting .358 (34-95) with 9 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI and 15 runs scored in 25 games to seal his second All-Star bid in the player ballotingHit in a career-best 20 straight games from June 3-26, the third-longest hitting streak in the A.L. [68] In 2011, he played 36 games in the major leagues and batted .272 with seven home runs and 19 RBIs. SUMMARY Career WAR 21.3 AB 4404 H 1147 HR 126 BA .260 R 607 RBI 545 SB 136 OBP .333 SLG .416 OPS .750 A few hours later, he was in the middle of the infield next to superstar shortstop Javy Baez for an intrasquad scrimmage. The player was born on 3 April 1987 in Northbrook, Illinois. We talk about hitting all the time. over his final 28 games.His 100 homers as a second baseman are tied with Joe Gordon for the most in franchise historyOn the year he made 129 starts at 2B (131 overall games at second) and made one start at DHAlso made 14 starts on the year in center field, beginning on Sept. 11, after the August 31 acquisition of Josh Donaldson from TorontoDid not appear at second base after Sept. 10Got off to a sluggish start, batting .160 (16-for-100) in 25 April games with six 2B and seven RBI (.456 OPS)Was batting .197 (49-for-249) through his first 64 games thru June15 with 14 2B, 4 HR & 25 RBI, but batted .260 (73-for-281) the rest of the way with 40 runs, 14 2B, 14 HR and 50 RBI over his final 83 games of the season (.816 OPS)Connected for his first career pinch-hit home run on Sept. 1 vs. Tampa Bay off Chaz RoeHis 1,000th career base hit was one of the most dramatic of the season, a 9th-inning grand slam off Ian Hamilton and the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 19, erasing a 1-0 Sox leadWas his second career walk-off HR and grand slam, becoming the second player in MLB history to record his 1,000th career hit with a walk-off grand slam, joining LAD's Davey Lopes (9/2/79 vs. CHI; STATS LLC)37th player in franchise history to collect 1,000 hits in an Indians uniformHis 18 home runs were his second-most in a single season (had 23 HR in 2016)Also just the second player to hit a walk-off grand slam with his team trailing 1-0 since Hall-of-Famer Ron Santo for the Chicago Cubs on September 25, 1968 vs. LAD (courtesy ESPN Stats & Info)OPS in the second half was .754 compared to .672 in the first halfOn the year he hit .270 (58-for-215) with runners on base and recorded an OPS of .905 with runners in scoring positionBatted .292 (38-130) with RISP, collecting eight homers, eight doubles and 59 RBI in those scenarios. On the year he also made 74 starts at second base and 2 starts at DHBatted .239 (28/117) with runners on base for the yearMade 42 starts at the lead-off spot, compiling a .780 OPSMost productive spot was the 2-hole, batting .270 (20/74) with 4 2B, 5 HR and 11 runs (.856 OPS)Did not hit over .248 in any month prior to Sept/OctOver his last 9 games (9/20-end of season) he batted .321 (9/28) with 5 runs, 3 2B, 1HR & 5 RBI (.930 OPS)Had 16 extra-base hits out of 26 total hits (61.5%) when leading off an inningGrounded into 0 double plays in 56 opportunities all year. Kipnis owns an .856 OPS on the season, though that's mostly due to an early hot streak, as his OPS over the last 21 games sits at just .671. He attended Glenbrook North High School in the suburbs of Chicago where he earned three letters playing baseball for the Glenbrook North Spartans. He batted .296 and tied for fifth in the league in RBIs (19). He attended the University of Kentucky, but transferred to Arizona . He thought someone had overthrown a ball and hit him in the ribs. Ive got a lot of friends and family here. Jason Kipnis assigned to Peoria Javelinas. What All-Star ( 1991) pitcher preceded Jason? The steady, stoic right-hander, who struck out nine in a dominant performance in Game One, improved to 4-1 with a 0.89 ERA in five play-off starts this year. [4][8][27] While Kipnis appeared to be a good prospect as an outfielder, the Indians saw his potential as a second baseman. Underwent surgery to his left ring finger on December 16 in Cleveland to repair a damaged extensor tendon (Dr. Thomas Graham) after off-season weight room workout (exptected to be ready for start of 2015 regular season). 2B Jason Kipnis assigned to American League All-Stars. The Braves, needing to replace Ronald Acua Jr. (knee) and Marcell Ozuna (fractured fingers, then administrative leave while under investigation for violating baseballs joint domestic violence policy), traded for outfielders Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, Jorge Soler and Eddie Rosario. "[36], In 2010, Kipnis batted .300 for the Kinston Indians of the Carolina League. [3] He was the fourth child born to Kay and Mark Kipnis. And 1 percent of me was like, Great, I have to look at all these banners and hear about 16 all the time.. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. 2000)The 15 doubles were most for an Indians batter, in any month, since Jeff Heath in Sept. 1942 Was the first MLB player to collect 50+ hits and score 30+ runs in a single month since Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins in Sept./Oct. [35] During this time, Baseball Prospectus rated him the Indians' eighth-best prospect, describing Kipnis as "fitting great baseball intelligence, a lot of intensity, and surprising tools into a small package. Cleveland Indians signed OF Jason Kipnis. Ken Rosenthal is the senior baseball writer for The Athletic who has spent nearly 35 years covering the major leagues. March 29, 2021 At the age of 32, Kipnis probably will continue his big-league career next season. If you ask me if I want to go to the cage or if I want to go play 18, my answer is go play 18. [33] Kipnis felt he would have more success in the majors at second base, particularly because of Cleveland's difficulties at that position in recent years. he hit .244 (39-160) w/12 2B, 3 HR, 13 RBI and 20 runs in 40 gamesPrior to D.L. in WAR (4.8) and average, 2nd in hits and 1st in times on base (161)The turning point of the season was moving to the lead-off spot on April 26 as he hit lead-off for virtually the remainder of the yearFor the year in the #1 spot he batted .311 (153-492) with 27 2B, 6 3B, 6 HR, 37 RBI and 81 runs scored (42 BB, .385 OB/.861OPS)From May 9 thru the end of the season he batted .312 (140-449) with 39 2B, 6 3B, 6 HR, 40 RBI and 72 runs in 113 gamesHe had a solid year defensively, compiling a UZR of 4.3 with a .987 fielding pct and 1 defensive run saved in his 124 starts at second base (7E, 521TC, 5th-best fielding pct in A.L. Collected his first Major League hit on July 25 vs. the LA Angels, a walk-off 9th inning game-winner off Hisanori TakahashiOnly Indian since the RBI became an official statistic to produce his first MLB hit in walk-off fashion (Elias) and just the 5th MLB player since 2002 to do itHit his first Major League home run on July 31 off Kansas City's Danny DuffyHomered in an Indians season-high 4 straight games from July 31-August 3, equaling the club record for HR in consecutive games by a Rookie (Al Rosen, June 1950)Was the first player in major-league history to homer in four consecutive games within two weeks of his debut and first Indians batter with HR in 4 straight since Travis Hafner in August 2006First Indians 2B to HR in 4 straight games in 111-year history of franchiseLast rookie with HR in 4 straight games, PIT OF Garrett Jones 2009Last MLB batter to HR in 4 straight w/in first 10 games of his MLB career was Graig Nettles in 1968 with Minnesota (ELIAS)Went 5 for 5 w/4RS, HR, 2B & 3RBI on August 10 vs. Detroit, becoming the first Indians rookie and 14th overall since 1920 to collect 5hits, 4RS & 3RBI in the same game2nd Indian ever w/6HR in first 16 career games (Luis Medina, 1988)Did not play from August 13-17 with a strained right oblique and was in the lineup of August 18 at Chicago-AL before injuring his right hamstring in pre-game stretching and was placed on the 15-day DL the next dayWas on the 15-day DL from August 13-September 5Upon activation hit .265 (18-68) with 5 2B, 1HR & 8RBI in 18 games the last month of the seasonMade 34 starts (36G) at second base and compiled a fielding % of .963 (164TC, 6E)Hit .294 (33-116) with 8 2B, 7HR & 18RBI in 28 starts when batting 2nd in the order (.901OPS). On September 17, 2019, the Indians announced that Kipnis suffered a broken right hamate bone which required surgery to remove. I'm not ready, I have to rest my shoulder. The Indians selected Kipnis in the second round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft. He also ended the month with 30 runs which made him one of three people ever in the MLB to have 50+ hits and 30+ runs in the month of May. The Cubs had Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks lined up for Games 5, 6 and 7. Kipnis, playing in his native Chicago, that night became the first visiting player since Babe Ruth to hit a three-run homer during the World Series at Wrigley Field. Kipnis finished his major league career playing for his hometown, and childhood favorite, Chicago Cubs in the pandemic shortened 2020 season. In 2012, he became the starting second baseman for the Indians. . He's also won Emmy Awards in 2015 and 2016 for his TV reporting. He's not someone a contender would want to turn to for everyday at-bats at this stage of his career, but he should be a capable backup and injury fill-in as long as he ages gracefully. Im starting to, he said. Gwinnett Stripers activated 2B Jason Kipnis from the restricted list. He goes out and hits for the cycle. (David Richard / USA Today Sports). When you win a pennant, you uncork the champagne! Cleveland Indians placed 2B Jason Kipnis on the 10-day disabled list. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. He last appeared in MLB with the Chicago Cubs in 2020, and has played in the. Jason Michael Kipnis (born April 3, 1987; nicknamed "Kip") is an American professional baseball second baseman and center fielder for the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball (MLB). More recently, he opened a country bar in Cleveland with country music star Chase Rice. Made 121 starts at second base (123 games) and posted a fielding pct. Upon his return from the D.L. and did not play professional baseball in 2022. Kipnis is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins. [80] The injury ended his season after hitting .245/.304/.410/.715 with 17 home runs and 65 RBI. David Bote receives the start at the keystone for the Cubs. Kipnis is out of the lineup for Game 2 of the Wild Card Series on Friday against the Marlins. [47], Baseball Prospectus 2011 reported that Kipnis was "a compact athlete who works the count, and consistently barrels up balls with enough power for 1520 home runs annually in the big leagues. Cleveland Indians sent 2B Jason Kipnis on a rehab assignment to Columbus Clippers. Abraham Almonte, a backup with Cleveland while Kipnis was a starter from 2015 to 2017, had a 1.176 OPS when he was promoted from Triple A on May 31. lead-off batters with a .385 on-base pct. [44][45], After the 2010 season, Kipnis played for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League. Players, just coming off the field, do not always have time to collect their thoughts. mlb 2nd basemen - Open the box. In 121 games in 2019, he hit .245/.304/.410 with 17 Home Runs and . Heyward has been one of the better hitters on the Cubs this season while playing solid in right field. of 2005 (52H/32R) and the first in the A.L. Sure enough, Kipnis posted a .590 OPS over the final month, culminating in a 102 wRC+, though that was his highest mark since 2016. Sports Illustrated. Kipnis last played in 2021 while a member of the Braves organization, and hasn't played in the majors. Over his 10 total seasons in the big leagues -- nine of which came as a member of Cleveland -- Kipnis was named an All-Star twice, and he slashed .260/.333/.416 with 126 homers and 136 stolen bases over 1,165 career plate appearances. So, what would it have been like for Kipnis to win the World Series at Wrigley Field? "We're all concerned." Let's block ads! Editor's note: This story is part of the Cleveland Baseball Countdown, a series of 30 features on the club's 30 best players of the past 30 years. Right hamstring strain. stint had played all but 15.1 IP all season and after Sept. 16 he hit .339 (19-56) with 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR & 7 runs over his final 14 games of the yearOn the year he hit safely in 101 of 138 starts and batted .300 (54-180) with runners on baseHad four lead-off home runs (6 career)Had a .908 OPS off RHP and a .679 OPS off LHPWas 3rd in the A.L. . And the topic of the conversation rarely strays from specific elements of the game. Kipnis hits the bench after going 0-for-2 with a walk in the series opener. I just dont see the route to get back to a team this year.. Player News Add Your Blog Posts Here Player News Archive Player News RSS Feed While taking grounders and turning a double play, Kipnis felt a sharp pain in his midsection. So did Travis Demeritte, who played outfield, where the opportunity was greater, but also never made it to the majors. [26] In June, the San Diego Padres drafted Kipnis during the fourth round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. CLEVELAND, Ohio After playing nine seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Jason Kipnis made his first trip to Progressive Field on Tuesday as a member of the Chicago Cubs and told. His feet dangling, Jason Kipnis sat on a . Drove in a career-high six runs, May 16 vs. Baltimore, including two homers also notched multi-homer games, June 19 at Texas and August 28 at Detroit Posted a .446 slugging mark vs. righties compared to a .342 mark vs. lefties. [82] The deal included an invitation to the Cubs' 2020 major league spring training camp. All-Star levels in 2014 as he was limited the four months of the season after a late-April strained right oblique that forced him to the 15-day Disabled List for the second time in his career from April 30-May 27, an injury suffered on April 29 at the LA Angels At the time of his injury was hitting .234 (22-94) w/12 runs, 6 double, 3 home runs and 12 RBI in 27 games (.354OB/.394SLG /.748OPS, T 6th in the A.L. Bounced back with his second All-Star season in the last three years, finishing with career-highs in hits, doubles, triples, average, on-base pct. Kipnis ended up getting pulled for a pinch hitter later in the game, but the veteran was able to make his mark while he was in the lineup. 2019 recap Kipnis joined the Cubs on a minor league deal this spring following nine seasons with the Indians. Most were more versatile than Kipnis, who was essentially a second baseman. [37] He hit .311 for the Aeros and won the Aeros Player of the Week Award twice. . Guillermo Heredia had only a .665 OPS, but offered valuable late-inning defense in center field. Unlike many baseball players who fly south in the winter, Kipnis has a local apartment where he enjoys hanging out with his longtime buddies from Glenbrook North. It was a forgone conclusion once the Cleveland Indians signed Cesar Hernandez to play second base in . Youve got all these people, familiar faces and teachers in the crowd, and youre being called a traitor in the on-deck circle, he recalled. On November 11, 2021, Kipnis was released by the Braves. Since 2011, Jason Kipnis has been one of the really good Cleveland Indians' stories. MINNEAPOLIS - During his Hall of Fame playing career, Paul Molitor was one of the game's most accomplished bunters. But at the same time, I still have stuff left in the tank and Im just not being given that opportunity to play, it saddens me. Kipnis was released by Atlanta on Saturday. Jason Kipnis Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com Jason Kipnis On this page: Prospect Rankings Baseball America: The best source for minor league news and info Prospect ratings from Baseball Prospectus Futures Game 2011 Futures Game U.S. For Kipnis, the timing for a promotion never was right. Therefore, Jason has an expected total net worth $20 million starting in 2019. Former Cleveland second baseman Jason Kipnis announced his retirement via social media Monday afternoon, officially putting a bow on a 10-year major league career. Jason Kipnis (David Richard/USA TODAY Sports) Every kid who fantasizes about someday playing professional baseball imagines the same scenario: Playing in the World Series at your favorite team's . He would be activated on August 6 but would continue to feel discomfort in the hamstring. She describes herself as a personal trainer, nutrition specialist, and bikini competitor. Called up in July 2011 as Cleveland faded from contention, Kipnis hit .272 as a rookie and immediately endeared himself to fans with his full-throttle style of play an approach that earned him the nickname "Dirtbag." Later in the decade, Kipnis's fingerprints were all over Cleveland's 2016 World Series run. To be able to do it in Chicago . During his August stint between hamstring injuries batted .204 (10/49) with 6 runs, 3 doubles, 3 homers and 4 RBI in 13 games (.699 OPS)After being activated the final time on Sept. 16, he batted .273 (9/33) with 5 runs, 3 2B, 1 HR and 5 RBI to finish out the campaign, making his first career Major League appearance in the outfield (started 11 games in center field over 11 Sept/Oct. Not any more. In 121 games this year he hit .245, with 17 home runs . He played baseball for the Sun Devils and double-majored in psychology and sociology. CLEVELAND (WJW) Former Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis, who ended his tenure in Cleveland with a hand fracture in 2019, announced his retirement from baseball on Monday. A fan pointed out on Twitter how surprising it is to see Kipnis in Cubbie Blue a few years later, and the 33-year-old's reaction was nothing short of genuine. Kipnis pinch hit for Nico Hoerner in the eighth inning of Saturday's 4-2 win over the Brewers and stayed in the game at second base, going 0-for-2 on the night. Kipnis is not in the lineup Wednesday against Cleveland. The Chicago-born Kipnis, however, figures to have a very legitimate chance of cracking the roster and suiting up to play his home games at Wrigley Field just 19 miles from the high school he. It was tough. He worked out all offseason with that goal, not wanting to experience regrets for leaving the game too soon. During the lockout, Kipnis worked out at Bradley Fieldhouse, a facility on Chicagos North Side about two miles west of Wrigley Field.